Illinois EPA Permitting Process is Now Faster and More Transparent

SPRINGFIELD - January 13, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn announced a new Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) online portal that will make the environmental permitting process more user-friendly by eliminating red tape for businesses in Illinois. It also increases transparency in the process by allowing applicants and other interested parties to track the progress of the Agency's decision-making process. The portal is a result of Public Act 97-0094, which Governor Quinn signed last July.

"This process will help us grow our economy by cutting red tape for businesses, while also maintaining our strong commitment to the environment," Governor Quinn said. "This site will allow companies to navigate the environmental permitting process more effectively and efficiently."

"The improvements in the permitting process were developed in coordination with the Illinois business community with the goal of making compliance with environmental regulations less burdensome, yet without sacrificing protection of the state's air, land and water, and public health," said Illinois EPA Interim Director John Kim.

"The Illinois Environmental Regulatory Group, the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, and the Agency developed this positive first step to implement permitting reforms.  The changes should markedly improve the Agency's ability to respond to the needs of Illinois' businesses, and will result in cost, time, and resource savings.  I commend the Agency for their fine work," said Todd Maisch, vice president of government affairs for the Illinois Chamber of Commerce.

In addition to the new portal, several other measures have been or will be implemented in the near future that will increase efficiency and reduce the time it takes to receive an environmental permit in Illinois. One such tool is the Registration of Smaller Sources (ROSS) program tailored to smaller sources of air pollution, rather than requiring them to undergo the extensive permitting process that larger emissions sources must go through.

Among the features of the web portal (epa.state.il.us) are:

§  Application forms; many can be edited, saved and submitted electronically

§  Application checklists, instructions and guidance

§  Summary information on permitted projects

§  An online permit tracking system that gives the status of a pending application

In the coming months, the Illinois EPA will be working with the regulated community to implement additional process improvements that will further reduce time and cost burdens on both business and the agency, while still meeting the same environmental protection goals.

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CHICAGO - January 4, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today announced that as part of his efforts to grow the economy and boost exports, Illinois-based civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson will represent the state at the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the African National Congress (ANC) in South Africa next week.

"Overseas trading with fast-growing nations is a key to expanding Illinois' role in the global marketplace, creating jobs here at home and growing our economy," Governor Quinn said. "Rev. Jackson will serve as a goodwill ambassador to South Africa on behalf of Illinois as the ANC celebrates its long history of fighting for justice and equality."

The ANC was created in 1912 to preserve voting rights for black South Africans, and it later took the lead in the movement to eliminate apartheid. Rev. Jackson visited South Africa in 1979 in the midst of racial apartheid and again on Feb. 11, 1990 when Nelson Mandela was freed after spending 27 years in prison at Robin's Island. At the 1984 Democratic Convention, Rev. Jackson rallied against racial apartheid, calling it a moral disgrace and led several mass marches in the U.S. and U.K. in support of equality. He was also a member of the official U.S. delegation to witness the inauguration of Mandela to the South African Presidency in 1992. The ANC centenary ceremonies will begin a year of celebration throughout the country as it continues its political and economic transition in the 21st century.

South Africa is the top importer of Illinois products in the African region, accounting for $613 million in economic activity in 2010 - a 13 percent increase from 2009. Overall, Illinois ranks third in the U.S. among states exporting goods to South Africa. Following the country's liberation, Illinois established an international trade office that helps Illinois and South African companies to form mutually-beneficial economic partnerships.

Through the third quarter of 2011, exports to South Africa were up an additional 53 percent over 2010 levels. This growth is being driven by an increase in Illinois machinery exports to support the country's growing mining industry and investments in large infrastructure projects. South Africa produces 90 percent of the world's cobalt, 80 percent of its chromium and platinum, 70 percent of its tantalite, 64 percent of its manganese, 40 percent of its gold, 33 percent of its uranium, and at least 10 percent of the world's oil and natural gas reserves.

Today's announcement is one of several business and economic partnerships the Governor has announced as he builds upon his aggressive goal to double state exports by 2014.

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New Laws Improve Access to Jobs, Health Insurance

CHICAGO - December 19, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation that will improve the quality of life for Illinois' Veterans. Senate Bill 1587, sponsored by Sen. Antonio Munoz (D-Chicago) and Rep. Edward Acevedo (D-Chicago), and Senate Bill 40, sponsored by Sen. Susan Garrett (D-Highwood) and Rep. Lisa Dugan (D-Kankakee), make it easier for Veterans to gain access to employment and health care.

"The men and women who have courageously defended our democracy overseas should not return home only to fight for necessities like jobs and health insurance," said Governor Quinn. "We owe it to our Veterans to make their transition to civilian life as seamless as possible."

Senate Bill 1587 makes it easier for Veterans to become members of the Illinois State Police (ISP). Under the new law, education requirements will be waived for individuals who have been honorably discharged with a campaign medal after serving in Afghanistan or Iraq. On average, a servicemember serves three to four years before being discharged, and that experience makes Veterans particularly valuable assets to the ISP.

"Having been a Veteran who returned home and found limited job opportunities, I applaud the efforts of Governor Quinn and the state legislators to improve the quality of life for soldiers seeking to further their careers to serve and protect," said Illinois State Police Director Hiram Grau. "This law will give Veterans every opportunity to apply and test within our department, and will significantly increase the pool of qualified, experienced candidates representing the Illinois State Police."

Governor Quinn also signed Senate Bill 40, which extends the Veterans' Care program. The program provides Veterans with comprehensive health care coverage for $40 or $70 per month (depending on income). The program had been set to expire on Jan. 1.

"Employment and the availability affordable of healthcare are among the most critical needs of the Illinois veteran community," said Erica Borggren, Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs. "These measures will have an immediate, direct impact for Illinois' past and present heroes in uniform."

The law also helps members of the Illinois National Guard receive compensation more quickly when responding to in-state natural disasters. Under the law, the Illinois National Guard State Active Duty Fund will be created to more efficiently reimburse Guard members called to active duty in the event of state disasters.

"Our Soldiers and Airmen always stand ready for any mission, whether here at home or overseas," said Maj. Gen. William Enyart, Illinois National Guard Adjutant General. "As responders, this bill will help the Illinois National Guard's immediate response to emergencies. It will allow us to move forward during the mission knowing our soldiers, airmen and suppliers will receive prompt payment during a crisis and won't have to worry about paying their families bills."

For more information about these and other programs for Veterans, visit www.operationhomefront.org or call the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs at (217) 782-6641 or (312) 814-2460.

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Encourages People of Illinois to Support Our Veterans and Servicemembers at Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

CHICAGO - December 1, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today was joined by local schoolchildren to light the state of Illinois' annual holiday tree and launch the Illinois Heroes holiday card drive. Governor Quinn encouraged schoolchildren from across the state to take part in the annual drive by making holiday cards for servicemembers at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (LRMC) in Germany. Governor Quinn will personally deliver the cards during a visit to troops at LRMC later this year.

"We want our servicemembers who are spending the holidays away from home to know how much the people of Illinois care and appreciate their courage and selflessness," Governor Quinn said. "This holiday season is the perfect time to show our support and give thanks for our Veterans and servicemembers."

This year will mark the seventh time that Governor Quinn has visited Illinois troops and their families at LRMC. The center is the largest American hospital outside of the United States. For more information on how to participate in the Illinois Heroes holiday card drive, please visit OperationHomefront.org.

Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) Director Erica Borggren and servicemembers from across the state also joined the governor at the tree lighting ceremony.

"During the holidays, it is especially important to remember those who sacrifice their all to protect us," Director Borggren said. "As we gather with our loved ones to celebrate the holiday season, we encourage the people of Illinois to keep our servicemembers in their thoughts and prayers."

Also in attendance were members of the Gold Star Families, who hung ornaments in memory of their sons and daughters on the tree. Choirs of students and parents from LaSalle II Magnet School performed during the tree lighting ceremony and presented cards to Landstuhl.